The Chip Monk Family Survival Podcast

On this short episode your lovable, furry buddy Chip does a quick review on the Tokarev surplus pistol, of which he has owned two examples in the past.  These handguns were first designed back in the early days of the Soviet Union as simple sidearms for the Red Army but in recent years their history has included important in reasonably large numbers into the US.  On this show we discuss their design lineage, talk about the various versions available, and consider how they might fit into a survival armory

Zombies!  For some reason many folks interested in Survival/Preparedness topics have an interest in fictional media involving the living dead.  Truthfully, for most of my life I was not in that category.  However, in recent years I have developed something of an interest in the Zombie genre due to its focus on how people react to The End of the World As We Know It.  While I doubt we'll ever see corpses shambling up and down the street in front of our house, there are certain shows in this genre that do a good job depicting how people might react to a sudden and cataclysmic change to their daily lives.  And today I talk about one such program. The Walking Dead entry at Wikipedia Based on Kirkman’s hugely successful and popular comic book series, “The Walking Dead” tells the story of the weeks and months that follow after a zombie apocalypse. A survivalist story at its core, the series explores how the living are changed by the overwhelming realization that those who survive can be far more dangerous that the mindless walkers roaming the earth. They themselves have become the walking dead

As we head into Fall and Winter it's a good time to stop and think about some of the things almost anyone can do to try to grow food for themselves and their families.  On this episode I discuss things you can do even if you live in an apartment to grow surprisingly abundance by using a few simple techniques

It's been a while since I looked into the crystal ball and tried to prognosticate about events that could unfold in the future.  On today's episode I discuss a few more predictions including: * Economic issues and what changes we might see ahead * The "Occupy" movement and the potential for civil unrest * The coming war with ________________ (You'll have to listen to the episode to find out

On this episode I discuss the most important survival resource there is: Knowledge.  In addition I talk about various modern technologies that can be useful for preparedness such as Ebook Readers, .MP3 Players, radios, etc. and how to ensure your continued access to them in a survival scenario (such as the power-grid being down and possible long-term issues).  While I'm not a technical expert by any means I do hope this at least gets you thinking about specific ways you can ensure your continued use of some of your valuable technological resources. Please visit our forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

Most people who are interested in Survivalism/Preparedness are ultimately drawn to the idea of becoming as disconnected as possible from the systems of support most people take for granted.  The ideal of being able to grow one's own food, generate power, and provide for basic needs without paying someone else for the privilege is certainly something to aspire to. On today's episode I talk about the five basic levels of Self-Sufficiency (as I see them at least) and the specific steps you can take to achieve each level.  On a followup episode (most likely later this week) I will discuss two additional "advanced" levels as well

Sometimes I'll have a few different topics that I'd like to discuss but none of them quite reach the level of devoting an entire episode to.  Today is one of those days.  On this episode of "Survival Potpourri" I discuss dealing with "Woods Shock" and related wilderness survival aspects, frugal living, the "Everything Box",  and anything else that crosses Chip's little mind. Please visit our forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

Happy Fall!  I hope you are doing well as we kick off this new season. :)  On today's episode I do a quick rundown of the news and then move on to respond to listener questions about the following topics: * Easy methods of storing root crops efficiently * Intro to a new web site started by a listener: http://www.experiencepreferred.com/ * Thoughts on the Saiga line of rifles and shotguns * More on machetes (from a listener who grew up in the Phillipines) * What will happen if Greece fails ? (ie. a Greece default and the repercussions) * How do you make head cheese? Please visit our forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

Back in the days of the now-vanished (thankfully) Soviet Union that government liked to talk about their Five Year Plans for fixing everything.  Of course, the plans never quite happened as the top leaders became power-obsessed oligarchs like the czars they replaced, but if you throw out the failed ideas of Communism and Socialism, the idea of long-term planning actually makes some sense in a Survival context.  On this episode I discuss the idea of a Seven-Year-Plan, ala Joseph in the Bible and the considerations you should keep in mind

In recent years Fish Farming (aka "Aquaponics") has become much more popular as an industry in Western nations and has the potential for even more growth due to people like you and me taking interest.  In my mind, the ability to easily grow another protein source is quite attractive and thus I'm planning to put in an aquaponics operation this next Spring.  On this episode I describe our plans and try to give you some insight as to what is involved. You can find more information on this topic at the following resources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/ http://www.survivormagazine.net/2008/01/aquaponics-survivalists-dream.html http://www.survivalblog.com/2011/07/aquaponic_food_production_for.html Please stop by and register at our new forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

On today's episode I share my experiences from this past weekend at an Appleseed event which took just north of Eugene, Oregon.  A combination history lesson/marksmanship training regimen my time at Appleseed was the best rifle-based training I have ever taken part in.  On this show I talk about things I learned including how to become an exceptional rifleman, the many sacrifices our forefathers made for our freedoms, and the good and the bad of the Ruger 10/22 platform. More information about Appleseed can be found at their website: http://appleseedinfo.org/ If you have never attended one of their events (even if you believe yourself to be the reincarnation of Quigley, Down Under) I highly suggest you make time and go.  Check out your state on their schedule and see when the next upcoming event takes place: http://appleseedinfo.org/search-states.html A good video about this project can be found here: http://video.foxnews.com/v/4324345/appleseed-project/?playlist_id=87937 Please stop by and register at our new forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com/ NOTE: Intro and Extro Music for today provided by A-M Classical (www.amclassical.com) under the Creative Commons License.

Over the past few years as I've gotten back into the "Survival/Preparedness" lifestyle (and let's face it, that's what it is) I've done so at a time when the economy is reeling and jobs are scarce.  However, even before this downturn I had an interest in being as self-sufficient as possible in terms of income and thus spent a lot of time researching how to create your own income.  On today's episode I discuss some ideas you might consider if you want to "break free" from reliance on the current economy with its constant ups and downs and create something for yourself. Please stop by and register at our new forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

On today's episode I discuss the BIG international concern I see on the horizon: The transition of the "Arab Spring" into the "Arab Winter".  All signs are pointing towards a burgeoning conflict in the Middle East in the very near future.  Israel's two closest "allies" in that region (Turkey and Egypt) are making moves towards open warfare in my estimation, not to mention the fact that Iran continues to build their nuclear capabilities with the help of Russia. What does this all mean to you as a Survivalist/Prepper?  Could it be we are on the verge of World War III?  Listen in as I cover these important questions. Some links related to today's episode: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/09/10/123733/israel-facing-diplomatic-tsunami.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/8762950/Israel-warns-of-harsh-consequences-of-Palestinian-UN-bid.html http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2011/09/11/first-report.html http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4120185,00.html http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_IRAN_NUCLEAR?SITE=APSECTION=HOMETEMPLATE=DEFAULTCTIME=2011-09-12-09-48-41 http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=TX-PAR-HVF13show_article=1 http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4121261,00.html http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/plo-official-palestinian-state-to-be-free-of-jews-1.384493 Please stop by and register at our new forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

On today's episode we discuss a number of issues from listener's emails including: * What's the update on the Chip Monk homestead? * How can you tell when tomatoes are ready to pick? * Lee Loaders as a part of a bug out kit * Selecting a sleeping bag for survival purposes * What are some good, flexible reloading powders for preparedness purposes? * What is the smallest group size for safely traveling in the wilderness? * The .22 Magnum as a survival round * Ways of storing and cooking rice for the long-term * Good "Survival/Preparedness" book for young readers (John Christopher's "The Tripods" trilogy, "Hatchet" by Gary Paulson, "Little House on the Prairie" by Laura Ingells Wilder) * Farm/Ranch communications on the cheap Please stop by and register at our new forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com/

Recently I've been doing some studying on the side comparing various 9mm defensive loads for something I'm working on and it got me thinking about general considerations for defensive handguns.  Thus, today after briefly covering current events in the news I discuss a few aspects of defensive handgunning, my own practices and experiences, and the good and bad of various options.  Not everyone will agree with my determinations or thoughts, but at least it will get you thinking about your own needs and hopefully help you with any choices you have to make. A great overview of this topic to supplement today's episode can be found here: http://www.internetarmory.com/handgun_defense.htm NOTE: Episode 4 of my other podcast the "Survival Gun Show" is available here: Survival Gun Show-Episode 4 . This episode covers the Ruger .22LR semiauto pistol for survival purposes, as well as discussing the .22LR in general. Please stop by and register at our new forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com